Chloé et Margot dansent

C'est la fete!

The Princes and Princesses!
Not pictured:Prince Eli and Princess Margot

Making the crowns...

Chloe had a princess-themed birthday party filled with fun and friends yesterday evening. We started with a little face painting by Papa Jerome, followed by a game of Pin the Crown on the Princess. Then we had special birthday princess cookies (homemade by Mama, Grandpa, and Chloe) and snacks. After, all the invites made and decorated a prince or princess crown.

Then, we sang and danced the Hokey Pokey. Chloe loves that song since learning it at preschool, and she asked if we could do it at her party. And you know what? It was a huge hit. The kids loved it! Very cute. Then, each prince and princess got a special glow in the dark bracelet and were invited to a ball in Princess Margot's room (decorated with Christmas lights). The dancing was a big hit as well. Finally, the kids all went on a scavenger hunt to find a treat sack.

The only downside: her good friend Ava was sick and couldn't come. We'll celebrate with her later when she is better! Otherwise, Chloe had a great time with her friends--thank you everyone for coming to celebrate with us!

Deja quatre ans...

Four years ago...

and today.

Yesterday was Chloe's birthday ("for the real," as she likes to say. We had a wonderful day! When she awoke, Papa was already at work, and so we saved presents for the evening. We did call Papy and Mamie and opened their lovely princess dress (above) and jewelry (including clip on earrings!). She adores it! The girls and I went to the bookstore, and Chloe picked out a new book of her choice: The Princess and Frog. She is so excited for this new movie to come out in December. We went out for a fun pancake and sausage brunch (some of her favorite foods). Then she napped, and Papa was home. She opened our present--a Melissa and Doug Princess Castle. She loves it! It fits her little princess Polly dolls and figurines perfectly.

After some play time and a special surprise from her best friend Ava (she brought Chloe flowers...so sweet), Grandpa, Grandma, and a few other relatives came. We had a great dinner, a princess cake (decorated by me--that's another story!), and more presents. Chloe got some clothes, barrettes, hat and mittens for winter, a beautiful Barbie doll, a tool set (something she has really wanted for awhile), and some more dress up things (including more earrings--I have never seen clip-on earrings for kids until today).

Today, Chloe is taking a birthday treat at school, and Saturday, she is having six friends over for a princess-themed party, so the festivities continue....

Chloe's first day of school

Chloe started school today, and she did so great! She jumped right in and played at the sand table with a little boy. When I picked her up, she eagerly shared all she did, including reading Five Little Monkeys, which she remembers incredibly well for only having read it once, playing with Play Dough, playing with sand, drawing pictures, and (of course) having a snack. She was so happy to have a paper (her picture) to bring home in her backpack. Overall, it was an incredibly positive experience!

Way to go, Sweet Pea!

Margot marche!

We just spent a wonderful extended weekend up north, and little Miss Margot had a big surprise for us: she finally started walking! After showing signs of readiness for the last two months, she just decided Saturday to get up and start. Now it is the only thing she wants to do. We are all so happy for her!

Tranche de vie

Après avoir peint deux tableaux à l'eau ("La maison de Papi et Mamie" et "Tablier et Serpents"), Chloé a créé sa première image avec le logiciel Paint.

Miró, prends garde à toi.

Tranche de Vie, 06/26/2009

Note: I hope to make "Tranche de Vie" (in English, "Slice of Life") a recurring blog entry detailing the current likes, dislikes, and activities of the girls.

Margot's new word: saying "cheese" when I take a picture

Margot likes: wagon rides and being out and about* (and saying "hiiiiii" to strangers)

Margot dislikes: having her diaper changed without a "boot" (book)

Margot's new skill: climbing furniture (yikes) and standing on her own

Margot's new favorite toy: Duplo blocks; she likes to unpack them and put them away, and work on connecting them

Chloe's new favorite song: The Beatles' "Carry That Weight"

Cute Chloe moment: overhearing her explain to Papa at breakfast today that all of The Beatles are boys even though they sometimes sound like girls

Chloe's looking forward to: making crepes with Mamie in France

Chloe likes: being outside a lot, especially running around in her swimsuit* in the sprinkler*

Chloe dislikes: the dark and monsters

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*to be out and about= etre de sortie (I'm not entirely sure on this one)
*swimsuit=maillot de bain
*sprinkler=arroseur/jet d'eau